Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, I have absorbed quite a lot. London is a bustling metropolis, not only because of its array of housing styles but also due to its multicultural populace. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing present alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I decided to walk short distances rather than opting for a bus or tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have made university commutes less expensive. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground coverage, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and individual train company fare structures. Living in Central London’s prime areas incurs higher living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while at university allowed us to significantly cut down rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with a diverse cohort of students my age, a mix that’s often elusive in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores nearby, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, especially during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, offering vibrant neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music environment. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric areas.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for your new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.